2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylphenethylamine (commonly known as 2C-E, or colloquially as "Aquarust"[1] and "Eternity"[1]) is a psychedelic substance of the phenethylamine class that produces potent psychedelic effects when administered. It is a member of the 2C-x family of psychedelic phenethylamines, all of which were derived from the systematic modification of the mescaline molecule.

2C-E was first synthesized and tested for human activity by Alexander Shulgin in 1977[2] and documented in his 1991 book PiHKAL ("Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved").[3] It is a member of the so-called "magical half-dozen" which refers to Shulgin's self-rated most important phenethylamine-derived compounds, all of which except mescaline he developed and synthesized himself. They are found within the first book of PiHKAL, and are as follows: Mescaline, DOM, 2C-B, 2C-E, 2C-T-2 and 2C-T-7. The general body of anecdotal reports tend to characterize 2C-E as a highly unpredictable, dose-sensitive psychedelic notorious for its strong visuals and significant "body load".

2C-E began to appear in drug seizures around 2004.[4] While primarily distributed online as a research chemical, it is also sometimes distributed on the street as 'mescaline' or 'synthetic mescaline'. Users are advised to note the economic non-viability of retailing mescaline, which lacks the material potency and profitability to distribute in pill or gel-cap form.

Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 2C-E, and it has a limited history of human use. Today, it is used for both recreational and entheogenic purposes. Many reports indicate that the safe use of this substance may be overly difficult for those who are not already experienced with hallucinogens. It is highly advised to approach this very powerful, dose-sensitive hallucinogenic substance with the proper amount of precaution and harm reduction practices if using it.

Chemistry

2C-E or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylphenethylamine is a phenethylamine featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain. 2C-E contains methoxy functional groups CH3O- attached to carbons R2 and R5 and an ethyl chain bound to carbon R4 of the phenyl ring. 2C-E belongs to the 2C family of phenethylamines which contain methoxy groups on the 2 and 5 positions of the benzene ring.[5]

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Physical effects

Stimulation - 2C-E is usually considered to be very energetic and stimulating in a fashion that is comparable to that of MDMA, although it is 'encouraged' instead of 'forced'.

Spontaneous bodily sensations - The "body high" of 2C-E is manifested as one of the most proportionally intense in comparison to almost all of the classical psychedelics. The sensation itself can be described as an intense and slightly uncomfortable energetic pins and needles sensation that constantly encompasses a person's entire body. It is usually felt over the surface of the skin but occasionally manifests itself in the form of a continuously shifting, tingling sensation that travels up and down the body in intermittent waves. Alongside this, many users report uncomfortable body feelings characterized by dysphoric aches and urges to shift the position of one's body and prolonged tensing of unusual combinations of muscle groups.

Physical euphoria - Feelings of frequent but unpredictable rushes of warm physical euphoria are extremely common and very pleasurable. These move from the top of the head downwards before enveloping one's whole body.

Teeth grinding - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of entactogenic stimulants like MDMA.

Seizure - This is a rarely observed effect but is believed to be a risk in those predisposed to them, especially while in physically taxing conditions such as being dehydrated, fatigued, undernourished, or overheated.[citation needed]

Visual effects

Enhancements

Distortions

Drifting(melting, flowing, breathing and morphing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed, slow and smooth in motion, static in appearance and unrealistic/cartoon-like in style.

The visual geometry that is produced by this substance can be comprehensively described as structured in their organization, organic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large in size, fast and smooth in motion, colorful in scheme, glossy in color, sharp in their edges and equally rounded and angular in their corners. It gives off a contradictory natural and synthetic feel that at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 8B visual geometry over Level 8A.

Hallucinatory states

2C-E produces a full range of high-level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics. This particularly holds true in comparison to other substances within the family of psychedelic phenethylamines. These effects include:

Internal hallucination (settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots) - In comparison to other psychedelics such as LSD, 2C-E is extremely reliable at producing hallucinations embedded within visual geometry. This particular effect commonly contains hallucinations with scenarios, settings, and concepts. They are more likely to present themselves within dark environments and can be described as internal in their manifestation, lucid in believability, interactive in style and almost exclusively of a personal, religious, spiritual, science-fiction, fantasy, surreal, nonsensical or transcendental nature in their overall theme.

Cognitive effects

The head space of 2C-E is described by many as one which is both insightful and relatively unaltered in its thought processes even at moderate to high dosages. Some users suggest that 2C-E may be even more clearheaded than 2C-B or 2C-C especially at higher dosages.

Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement - This component is consistently manifested only in the context of social settings in which one is within the company of others. These feelings are a little weaker and less sharp than those produced by substances such as MDMA and 2C-B but still often prove strong enough to provide long-lasting therapeutic effects.

Auditory effects

Multi-sensory effects

Synaesthesia - In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of this occurring, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states. However, many reports indicate that this substance is relatively reliable at inducing synaesthetic states in those who are predisposed to them.[citation needed]

Combinational effects

Cannabis - When used in combination with cannabis, both the visual and cognitive effects of 2C-E can be intensified and extended with extreme efficiency. This should be used with extreme caution if one is not experienced with psychedelics as this can also amplify the anxiety, confusion and psychosis producing aspects of cannabis significantly.

MDMA - When used in conjunction with MDMA, the physical and cognitive effects of MDMA are amplified. The visual, physical and cognitive effects of 2C-E are also intensified with an overwhelming euphoric pleasure manifested through uniquely pleasurable body highs and headspaces, and uniquely colorful and awe-inspiring visuals. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and it is best to start with markedly lower dosages than one would take for both substances individually. Additionally, users should be aware that there are reasons to believe that this combination may result in unforeseen neurotoxic effects, so a strong sense of caution and independent research are highly advised if one decides to experiment with this combination.[citation needed]

Alcohol - This interaction is not typically recommended due to alcohol’s ability to cause dehydration, nausea and physical fatigue which can negatively affect a trip if taken in moderate to high dosages. This combination is, however, typically considered to be safe in low doses and can often "take the edge off" a trip as well as dull its psychedelic effects in a fashion somewhat similar to benzodiazepines, albeit in a more physically distressing manner.

Benzodiazepines - When used in combination with benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines can, depending on the dosage, slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of an 2C-E trip. They are very efficient at stopping "bad trips" at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose due to the very high addiction potential that benzodiazepines possess.

Psychedelics - When used in combination with other psychedelics, each substance's physical, cognitive and visual effects intensify and synergize strongly. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and for this reason generally not advised. If choosing to combine psychedelics, it is recommended to start with significantly lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually.

Experience reports

Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2C-E use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because 2C-E is a research chemical with a limited history of human usage.

Anecdotal reports suggest that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying this substance by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (although nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Although no formal studies have been conducted, it is not unreasonable to assume that like psychedelics in general, 2C-E is not habit-forming and that the desire to use it can actually decrease with use.

Tolerance to the effects of 2C-E are built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 1-2 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 2-4 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 2C-E presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics but not evenly, meaning that after the consumption of 2C-E, some psychedelics will have significant reduced effects while some others will only be slighly affected.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become harmful and even life-threatening when taken with other substances. The following section lists some known dangerous combinations, but it may not include all of them. Furthermore, a combination that seems to be harmless in low doses can still greatly increase the risk of injury or death when the doses are slightly increased. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from Tripsit.

Lithium - Lithium is commonly prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking it with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As a result, this combination is strictly discouraged.

Cannabis - Cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and unpredictable synergy with the effects of psychedelics. Caution is advised with this combination as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions like anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their normal cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid over intake.